Solenoid Plunger Position Detection via Voltage Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation control systems face challenges in accurately determining the position of plungers in solenoids, which can lead to inefficiencies and errors in controlling irrigation valves, especially in large-scale systems where verifying accurate operation is time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that includes a solenoid, input stimulus source, sampling circuitry, and control circuitry to measure voltage measurements dependent on the plunger's position, allowing for determination of whether the plunger is in an open or closed position through various methods such as voltage measurement, inductance determination, and resonant response analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional irrigation control systems are used without plunger position detection, then the system structure remains simple, but the operational accuracy and reliability of irrigation valve control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical position detection methods with electrical measurement techniques. By applying an input stimulus to the solenoid and measuring voltage responses through sampling circuitry, the system determines plunger position electrically rather than mechanically, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the solenoid's own electrical characteristics (voltage response to input stimulus) to detect plunger position. The solenoid effectively detects its own state through its electrical properties, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms and maintaining system simplicity while enhancing accuracy
2Measurement precision
If plunger position detection is implemented, then the measurement precision of plunger position improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling circuitry serves multiple functions: it measures voltage responses for plunger position detection, characterizes solenoid performance, and provides diagnostic information about system health. This multi-functionality justifies the added circuitry complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single added component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrical measurement intermediary (voltage response measurement) between the plunger mechanical position and the control system. This intermediary enables precise indirect measurement of plunger position through electrical signals without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex sensing mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If voltage measurements are taken to determine plunger position, then the detection accuracy improves, but the energy consumption increases due to continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies input stimuli periodically rather than continuously to the solenoid and takes voltage measurements at these discrete intervals. This periodic measurement approach provides sufficient position information for control purposes while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies a small input stimulus that is sufficient to elicit a measurable voltage response but insufficient to cause plunger movement. This partial action (small stimulus) provides the necessary measurement signal while consuming minimal energy and not interfering with normal plunger operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables precise and efficient detection of plunger positions, reducing errors and improving the operational accuracy of irrigation systems, allowing for timely adjustments and preventing damage to plants or unnecessary resource usage.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid configured to cooperate with a plunger and to receive a plunger drive signal from plunger activation circuitry wherein the plunger drive signal is configured to induce a magnetic field relative to the solenoid that causes the plunger to change positions
Implementation Method 2
sampling circuitry configured to measure one or more voltage measurements corresponding to one or more voltages across the solenoid, wherein the one or more voltage measurements are dependent upon the current position of the plunger relative to the solenoid
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide irrigation valve control apparatuses comprising: a solenoid configured to cooperate with a plunger; an input stimulus source coupled with the solenoid and configured to apply an input stimulus while a plunger drive signal is not being applied and that is sufficiently small to not cause the plunger to move; sampling circuitry configured to measure one or more voltage measurements corresponding to one or more voltages across the solenoid, wherein the one or more voltage measurements are dependent upon the current position of the plunger relative to the solenoid; and control circuitry cooperated with the sampling circuitry to receive the one or more voltage measurements from the sampling circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine whether the plunger is in one of the open and closed positions based on the one or more voltage measurements.